Kazakhstan has expanded its network of protected areas. By a decree of the Akimat of the Zhambyl region, a new regional state natural park “Merke” has been established on its territory.
The park was created to protect the unique ecosystems of the piedmont and mountain zones of the Western Tien Shan; its area exceeds 86,000 hectares.
Rare and endemic species of flora and fauna inhabit the area, including mammal and bird species listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan: snow leopards, Tian Shan argali, Indian porcupines, Turkestan lynxes, argalis, stone martens, golden eagles, Himalayan griffon vultures, bearded vultures and others.
The creation of Merke Park became possible thanks to many years of joint work by the Akimat of the Zhambyl region, the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Institute of Zoology of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan.
The Institute of Zoology made a significant contribution to the establishment of the park. As a result of long-term studies, researchers from the Laboratory of Theriology — A.A. Grachev, S.K. Saparbayev, M.V. Bespalov and S.V. Bespalov — were able to discover a unique, regionally sole population of snow leopards in the Zhambyl region, which became one of the key arguments in favor of protecting this area.
Staff of the Institute of Zoology’s Theriology Laboratory: S. Saparbayev, S. Bespalov, M. Bespalov, A. Grachev
According to Daniyar Turgambayev, Chairman of the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources: — “The Merke Natural Park is another step towards sustainable management of natural resources and the conservation of ecosystems on which the well-being of future generations depends.”
Photo: Saltore Saparbayev
26.08.2025